2019 Kia Niro EV Makes North American Debut in LA

The 2019 Kia Niro EV is making its North American debut at the 2018 LA Auto Show.

Energy and power for Niro EV comes from a state-of-the-art, liquid-cooled 64kWh lithium ion polymer battery that is packaged under the floor of the vehicle to allow for minimal passenger space intrusion.

Fast charging rates are brief, so even extended road trips can continue after only short charging intervals.

Some specifications and features of the Niro EV battery and powertrain include:

201-horsepower electric motor with 291 lb.-ft. of torque

Charging protocol changed to CCS and battery can now charge at 100kW

Combined Charging System (CCS) DC fast-charge is standard equipment on both the Niro EV and the just-unveiled all-new Soul EV – approximately 100-mile recharge in 30 minutes or 80 percent total battery capacity in 75 minutes

Level 2 (240v) at 7.2 kWh charger needs approximately 9.5 hours for a full charge

With 291 lb.-ft. of torque, the Niro EV’s powerful electric motor offers plenty of pull and, well, electrifying get-up-and-go. Add to that a low center of gravity due to the floor-mounted battery pack and a 106.3 inch-long wheelbase, the Niro EV delivers a vehicle that’s entertaining to drive, stable and feels planted and substantial on the road. Of course, driving style affects the amount of energy expended, and the Niro EV is equipped with a variety of tools that put lots of useful energy management control in the driver’s hands, including:

Four drive modes – Eco, Normal, Sport and Eco+ – that automatically adjust regenerative braking level, air conditioning and heating settings, and even set speed limits to help manage operating efficiency

Brake and Hold System feature allows regen paddle shifter to bring the car to a full stop, adding energy to the battery that would be lost using normal braking

Smart Regen System adjusts the regenerative braking level based on a vehicle being detected in front of the Niro EV and can create smoother coast-down driving, especially when descending a steep road

Smart Eco Pedal Guide display on the instrument cluster that helps to keep the driver aware of real-time power distribution based on accelerator pedal input

The new Niro EV will be built in South Korea at Kia’s Hwaseong manufacturing facility, right alongside the Niro hybrid and plug-in hybrid. When it goes on sale early next year (pricing will be announced near the on-sale date), the Niro EV will be available in two trims, EX and EX Premium, which adds a host of upscale features to the already well-equipped EX. Premium EX features include:

8-inch color navigation touchscreen

Power tilt/slide sunroof

LED headlamps

8-speaker Harman/Kardon premium audio system with external amplifier and subwoofer